By Prashant K. Nanda, IANS,
New Delhi : Former New Zealand cricket captain and India’s first overseas coach John Wright says he is not averse to coaching an Indian Premier League (IPL) team, though the format is “too demanding”.
“There is a lot of pressure to perform in this form of the game, but I am not averse to taking up the assignment. Given the opportunity I may coach an IPL team,” Wright, known for him calm and composed demeanor, told IANS.
Asked if any IPL team approached him, the former opening batsman said he has had some talks but no decision had been taken yet.
“Now, the number of teams has gone up, let’s see. I have had some talks, but no decision yet.”
Wright, who has scored over 5,000 Test runs, including 12 centuries, was full of praise for the IPL, which is successfully running its third edition.
“It’s a great product. I think it is going to stay here for long. The T-20 format is a marketable product and it’s a nice dish in the menu.”
Wright was in Delhi to launch a scholarship named after him by the Southern Institute of Technology, New Zealand.
He said that Indians are knowledgeable cricket fans as they understand the game very well.
Wright teamed up with skipper Sourav Ganguly in taking cricket to greater heights during a successful 2000-2005 period when India started winning Tests overseas regularly.
“My association with Indian team was precious, a unique experience which I cannot easily explain but it was great.”
He said the IPL has brought in many international players together and has given a golden chance to budding Indian players to share the experience.
“The experience the young Indian players are getting is immense,” he said, adding this format of the game has also given them an opportunity to stabilise financially too.
“Chances were there earlier, too, but the IPL has given young players name, fame and financial stability. I believe, Test, ODI and T-20 are three nice different dishes and all three can complement each other.”